Finite element analyses and model tests for excavation problems such as earth retaining are performed to investigate the influence of the mode of wall deflection and its process on the settlement of backfill and the earth pressure on the wall. Validities of analyses are checked by comparing the analytical results with the tests results of typical active and passive earth pressure problems of retaining wall. Analyses and tests in which excavation process is taken into account are carried out. Through the model tests in the present study, surface settlement, distribution of earth pressure, development of failure zone and so on depend on the deflection process of the wall. Such experimental results can be predicted well by the elastoplastic finite element analysis in which stress-strain behavior of soil is properly taken into consideration.